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Rachel.b.Jackson
Rachel.b.Jackson
Known Participant
January 23, 2024
Answered

set spacing between two specific paragraph styles

  • January 23, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 430 views

Hi everyone!

 

Is there a way to set a paragraph style so that the spacing is x when followed by Paragraph Style A, and y when followed by Paragraph Style B? Or do I just need to create two versions of the initial paragraphy style?

 

Thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Steve Werner

Just create two different paragraph styles. A. paragraph style is independent. It has no way to detect the paragraph style which follows it next.

3 replies

jmlevy
Community Expert
jmlevyCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 23, 2024

Did you try to set up a  x value space before A paragraph style and a y value before B paragraph style, instead of using a space after?

James Gifford—NitroPress
James Gifford—NitroPress
Legend
January 23, 2024

That would work in the very selective case the OP is seeking to resolve (Always X+A or X+B), but unless these two styles are used in no other way, the asymmetry is likely to cause a cascade of problems.

 

If the specific problem is that Head X needs to have two different spacings, two styles are the specific solution that does not have to be considered against all other combinations of styles. Or so I see it.

 

If Styles A and B always and only follow Head X... then they are the place to put the differential spacing. But that's a narrow and easily broken rule.

James Gifford—NitroPress
James Gifford—NitroPress
Legend
January 23, 2024

Steve's right. ID has no integral method for styles to "see" what's around them, so the specific answer is "two styles."

 

Good place to implement and hone your ability to create tidy hierarchies of parent and child styles, though. Any time you have technical variations of a 'same' style, be sure to create them in a linked hierarchy so that you can easily update the whole set.

 

The alternative, which happens/is seen all too often, is a mess of "Chapter Heading" styles that have to be updated independently and turn into a management, layout and maintenance disaster. 🙂

Steve Werner
Community Expert
Steve WernerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
January 23, 2024

Just create two different paragraph styles. A. paragraph style is independent. It has no way to detect the paragraph style which follows it next.

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